2009 Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion, Pessac-Leognan, 6ltr

RP100 "A candidate for the wine of the vintage, the 2009 La Mission-Haut-Brion stood out as one of the most exceptional young wines I had ever tasted from barrel, and its greatness has been confirmed in the bottle. A remarkable effort from the Dillon family, this is another large-scaled La Mission that tips the scales at 15% alcohol. A blend of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (47% of each) and the rest Cabernet Franc, it exhibits an opaque purple color as well as a magnificent bouquet of truffles, scorched earth, blackberry and blueberry liqueur, subtle smoke and spring flowers. The wine's remarkable concentration offers up an unctuous/viscous texture, a skyscraper-like mouthfeel, sweet, sumptuous, nearly over-the-top flavors and massive density. Perhaps a once-in-a-lifetime La Mission-Haut-Brion, the 2009 will take its place alongside the many great wines made here since the early 1920s. The good news is that there are nearly 6,000 cases of the 2009. It should last for 50-75+ years. Given the wine's unctuosity and sweetness of the tannin, I would have no problem drinking it in about 5-6 years." RP Dec 2011 and "The deep garnet colored 2009 La Mission Haut-Brion absolutely sings of warm red and black currants, chocolate-covered cherries, liquid licorice, sassafras and espresso with hint of lilacs, pencil shavings and truffles. Full-bodied, rich, bold and oh-so-decadent in the mouth, the palate is completely packed with black fruit preserves and exotic spice layers, framed by wonderfully velvety tannins and seamless freshness, finishing epically long. Wow!" LPB for TWA Mar 2019

JD100 "An absolute legendary wine that ranks with the handful of truly monumental wines of the past 100 years or so is the 2009 Château La Mission Haut-Brion, which is close to an even split of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with a splash (6%) of Cabernet Franc. This beauty hit over 15% alcohol and should be a nail in the coffin to all the anti-alcohol fear mongering that has gone over the past 10-15 years. Still youthfully ruby-hued, with incredible notes of ripe currants, mulled cherries, scorched earth, tobacco, and even a hint of truffly earth, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a layered, seamless, multi-dimensional mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a finish that just won't quit. Opulent, decadent, yet without any sensation of weight or heaviness, this magical Pessac can be enjoyed any time over the coming 30-40 years, and I have no doubt it will offer pleasure even beyond that. (Drink between 2024-2064)" JD Mar 2024

Robert Parker writes, "A candidate for the wine of the vintage, the 2009 La Mission-Haut-Brion stood out as one of the most exceptional young wines I had ever tasted from barrel, and its greatness has been confirmed in the bottle. A remarkable effort from the Dillon family, this is another large-scaled La Mission that tips the scales at 15% alcohol. A blend of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (47% of each) and the rest Cabernet Franc, it exhibits an opaque purple color as well as a magnificent bouquet of truffles, scorched earth, blackberry and blueberry liqueur, subtle smoke and spring flowers. The wine’s remarkable concentration offers up an unctuous/viscous texture, a skyscraper-like mouthfeel, sweet, sumptuous, nearly over-the-top flavors and massive density. Perhaps a once-in-a-lifetime La Mission-Haut-Brion, the 2009 will take its place alongside the many great wines made here since the early 1920s. The good news is that there are nearly 6,000 cases of the 2009. It should last for 50-75+ years. Given the wine’s unctuosity and sweetness of the tannin, I would have no problem drinking it in about 5-6 years. The final blend was 47% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Cabernet Franc." 100 Points Published: Jan 2012